Red Elderberry vs. Black Elderberry

If you enjoy lovely shrubs with clusters of pretty flowers and berries that can be cooked into a variety of delicious treats, then you may be smitten with red and black elderberry plants.

Belonging to the Sambucus genus, these elderberry plants have a long history of culinary and medicinal use by people around the world. In this guide, we’ll compare red elderberry vs. black elderberry by discussing their plant classification, physical characteristics, native ranges and ideal growing conditions, culinary uses, and medicinal uses.

So, read on to learn more about these wonderful plants!

Both red elderberry and black elderberry belong to the Sambucus genus of plants. This genus contains only about 10 plants that comprise the various species of elderberries.

As members of the same genus, red and black elderberry also share the same botanical family, Adoxaceae (muskroot) family. Previously, elderberry plants were classified in the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family. However, recent genetic and morphological analysis has led to this change in botanical classification.

Botanically, red elderberry is classified as Sambucus racemosa, while black elderberry is classified as Sambucus nigra.

Red Elderberry vs. Black Elderberry: Physical Characteristics

Since red and black elderberry are closely related species, they share many physical characteristics which can make distinguishing non-flowering, non-fruiting plants a bit tricky. Both plants grow in a multi-stemmed, suckering form. They can reach similar heights, although red elderberry tends to max out at 12 feet, whereas black elderberry can max out at 20 feet high. Additionally, their leaves are both pinnately compound, elliptic-ovate-shaped, with fine, sharply toothed margins and unequal bases. The pinnately compound leaves of both plants are divided into 3-7 (usually 5) leaflets.

However, the leaflets of black elderberry are larger than those of red elderberry. While the leaves of red elderberry can reach up to 9 inches long, the leaves of black elderberry can grow up to 12 inches long. Additionally, black elderberry leaves tend to be a bit brighter and lighter than the dark green leaves of red elderberry.

Regarding their flowers, both plants grow large clusters of tiny yellowish-white flowers that give way to clusters of little round berries. However, the shape of the clusters and growth habit differs. While red elderberry forms dome-shaped clusters of white flowers that branch off a main stem, black elderberry forms large clusters of flowers in wide, flat umbels that originate from the same point on a stem, and do not branch off. When flowering, noticing the differences in how the clusters are shaped and grow from the stems is key to distinguishing these two species of elderberry.

When fruiting, you’ll notice that red elderberry produces bright red fruit when ripe, while black elderberry produces dark purple-black berries. If you’re wondering how to tell when the fruits are ripe, you’ll want to take a look at the stem from which the fruits are growing. For both plants, when the fruits are ripe, the stems turn dark red-purple.

Native Ranges and Ideal Growing Conditions

While the native ranges of red and black elderberry overlap in some areas, they also have their own distinct native growing regions. Their native growing ranges overlap in Europe and temperate areas of West Asia. However, black elderberry is also native to North Africa. In comparison, red elderberry is also native to temperate areas of North America and East Asia.

Both plants thrive in full sun to partial shade, and in well-draining, moist, fertile soil. However, red and black elderberry are both hardy plants and can adapt to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. As a more cold-hardy plant, red elderberry can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7, while black elderberry thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. Both plants bloom from May-June, and fruit at the beginning of Autumn.

Red Elderberry vs. Black Elderberry: Culinary Uses

Due to incidents of gastrointestinal upset from consuming large quantities of raw red or black elderberries, most botanists advise against eating these berries raw. However, cooking the berries renders them safe for consumption, and they can be used in a variety of dishes. Some people also strain out the seeds, which cause GI issues, in addition to cooking the berries for added safety.

When comparing red elderberry vs. black elderberry, both make excellent syrups, jams, jellies, and flavorings in candies and other sweets. You can also add cooked berries into pancakes and baked desserts, like pies and muffins. People also enjoy using the flowers, known as elderflowers, in teas. Additionally, you can turn the berries and flowers of either plant into elderberry wine.

Medicinal Uses

Regarding their medicinal uses, both red and black elderberry have a rich history of traditional medicinal use by indigenous peoples in their native growing ranges around the world. Flowers, bark, and berries are the most often used parts of the plant for medicine. Typically, people use these plants for anti-viral effects, respiratory health, and antioxidant effects.

Today, current research focuses heavily on black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, for its medicinal properties. A plethora of research exists that confirms the anti-viral, respiratory-protective, and antioxidant properties of black elderberry. One study confirmed the anti-bacterial effects of black elderberry on a range of pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, another study confirms the use of black elderberry against some strains of viruses, particularly viruses that affect the respiratory system.

While people have also traditionally used red elderberry, Sambucus racemosa, for hundreds of years for similar effects, modern research has not focused as heavily on this elderberry species. However, a limited amount of research does support at least some of the traditional medicinal uses of this plant. For instance, a recent study found potent antioxidant properties in red elderberry, along with other beneficial compounds. Another study found that red elderberry bark exhibited potent antiviral effects against a strain of bovine respiratory virus.

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